Ratcheting strut

ABSTRACT

A ratcheting strut comprising: (a) a ratchet box including a through passage; (b) a first tube sized to extend at least partially through the passage, the first tube including teeth that engage corresponding teeth of the ratchet box; (c) a second tube mounted to the ratchet box in parallel with the first tube, the second tube operatively coupled to a second fixation adapter; and, (d) a threaded rod operatively coupled to a nut and a first fixation adapter, the threaded rod repositionably mounted to the first tube, where the nut is operatively coupled and repositionable with respect to the first tube.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/464,502, filed May 4, 2012, and titled “RATCHETING STRUT,”the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

RELATED ART Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to devices and methods utilized infracture reduction and, more specifically, to devices and methodsproviding length adjustment during fracture fixation.

INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to devices and methods utilized infracture reduction and, more specifically, to devices and methodsproviding length adjustment during fracture fixation. The presentinvention may include modular (re)movable struts that can beinterchanged depending upon the distance to be spanned (i.e., spanfracture in a single long bone, or cross the knee joint). In oneexemplary embodiment, a ratcheting strut is disclosed that provides forlength adjustment during fracture fixation and reduction.

It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a ratchetingstrut comprising: (a) a ratchet box including a through passage; (b) afirst tube sized to extend at least partially through the passage, thefirst tube including teeth that engage corresponding teeth associatedwith the ratchet box; (c) a second tube mounted to the ratchet box inparallel with the first tube, the second tube operatively coupled to asecond fixation adapter; and, (d) a threaded rod operatively coupled toa nut and a first fixation adapter, the threaded rod repositionablymounted to the first tube, where the nut is operatively coupled andrepositionable with respect to the first tube.

In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the first tube, thesecond tube, and the threaded rod are coaxial, in yet another moredetailed embodiment, the second tube includes a fixed length and isremovably coupled to the ratchet box. In a further detailed embodiment,the second tube is removably mounted to the ratchet box, and the secondfixation adapter is removably mounted to the second tube. In still afurther detailed embodiment, the first fixation adapter includes atleast one of a ball, a ball joint, a ball joint housing, a ball jointcap, a halo subassembly, and a clamp subassembly. In a more detailedembodiment, the ratchet box includes a first lever repositionablebetween an engaged position and a disengaged position, the first leverincludes teeth, the teeth of the first lever engage the ratchet of thefirst tube in the engaged position, and the teeth of the first lever donot engage the teeth of the first tube in the disengaged position. In amore detailed embodiment, a plurality of the teeth of the first levercomprise ratchet teeth each including a profile including an inclinedsurface and a vertical surface, a plurality of the teeth of the firsttube comprise ratchet teeth each including a profile including aninclined surface and a vertical surface, the inclined surfaces of theratchet teeth of the first lever are substantially parallel to theinclined surfaces of the ratchet teeth of the first tube when in theengaged position, and the vertical surfaces of the ratchet teeth of thefirst lever are substantially parallel to the vertical surfaces of theratchet teeth of the first tube when in the engaged position. In anothermore detailed embodiment, the ratchet box includes a first biased leverrepositionable between an engaged position and a disengaged position,the first biased lever includes the teeth that are associated with theratchet box, the lever is configured to be selectively locked in atleast one of the engaged position and the disengaged position, the teethof the first biased lever engage the teeth of the first tube in theengaged position, and the teeth of the first biased lever do not engagethe teeth of the first tube in the disengaged position. In yet anothermore detailed embodiment, the ratchet box includes a first biased leverrepositionable between an engaged position and a disengaged position,the first biased lever includes the teeth that are associated with theratchet box, the engaged position may be at least one of an engagedlocked position and an engaged neutral position, the lever is configuredto be selectively secured in at least one of the engaged lockedposition, the engaged neutral position, and the disengaged position, thelever is repositionable in the engaged neutral position to allowrepositioning of the first tube with respect to the ratchet box, thelever is not repositionable in the engaged locked position to disallowrepositioning of the first tube with respect to the ratchet box, theteeth of the first biased lever engage the teeth of the first tube inthe engaged locked position and the engaged neutral position, and theteeth of the first biased lever do not engage the teeth of the firsttube in the disengaged position. In still another more detailedembodiment, the ratchet box includes a first lever repositionablebetween an engaged position and a disengaged position, the ratchet boxalso including a repositionable gear, the first lever includes the teeththat are associated with the ratchet box, wherein the teeth of the firstlever are ratchet teeth, the teeth of the ratchet tube include a firstrow and a second row, wherein at least one the first row includesratchet teeth, the ratchet teeth of the first lever engage at least oneof the first row of the ratchet teeth of the first tube in the engagedposition, the gear is configured to engage the second row of the teethof the first tube, and the ratchet teeth of the first lever do notengage the first row of the ratchet teeth of the first tube in thedisengaged position.

In yet another more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the teethof the first lever and the ratchet tube each include a profile includingan inclined surface and a vertical surface, the inclined surfaces of theteeth are parallel to one another in the engaged position, and thevertical surfaces of the teeth are parallel to one another in theengaged position. In still another more detailed embodiment, the ratchetbox includes a gear that includes the teeth that are associated with theratchet box, the teeth of the gear configured to engage the teeth of thefirst tube, and the gear is configured to reposition the first tube uponrotation of the gear. In a further detailed embodiment, the gear isoperatively coupled to a ratchet that allows repositioning of the firsttube in a first direction and disallows repositioning of the first tubein a second direction that is opposite the first direction. In still afurther detailed embodiment, the ratchet includes a first catchrepositionable between a first position and a second position, the firstposition allows repositioning of the first tube in the first direction,the second position allows repositioning of the first tube in the seconddirection. In a more detailed embodiment, the first catch includes arepositionable lever having ratchet teeth, the first tube includesratchet teeth, the ratchet teeth of the repositionable lever engage theratchet teeth of the first tube in the first position, and the ratchetteeth of the repositionable lever disengage the ratchet teeth of thefirst tube in the second position. In a more detailed embodiment, thesecond tube is at least partially hollow and includes a cavity adaptedto be partially occupied by the first tube, and the first tube is atleast partially hollow and includes a cavity adapted to be partiallyoccupied by the threaded rod. In another more detailed embodiment, thefirst tube, the second tube, and the threaded rod telescopicallyinteract with one another. In yet another more detailed embodiment, thethreaded rod is removably mounted to the second fixation adapter, andthe fixation adapter includes at least one of a ball, a ball joint, aball joint housing, a ball joint cap, a halo subassembly, and a clampsubassembly.

In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the first tube isoperatively coupled to a tube mount having a tube mount orifice, thetube mount is operatively coupled to the nut, the tube mount orifice issized to allow throughput of the threaded rod and disallow throughput ofthe first tube, and threads of the threaded rod are configured to engagethreads of the nut so that rotation of the nut results in longitudinalrepositioning of the threaded rod with respect to the nut, the firsttube, and the tube mount. In yet another more detailed embodiment, thenut is rotationally mounted to the tube mount, and a washer interposesthe nut and the tube mount. In a further detailed embodiment, the washerincludes a wave washer and a flat washer. In still a further detailedembodiment, a ratchet box includes a repositionable button, therepositionable button is operatively coupled to a ratchet arm, and theratchet arm is configured to engage the first tube. In a more detailedembodiment, the repositionable button is repositionable among a firstlocked position and a neutral position, the first locked positioninhibits the ratchet arm from disengaging a first set of teeth of thefirst tube and inhibits repositioning the first tube with respect to theratchet arm, and the neutral position biases the ratchet arm intoengagement with the first set of teeth of the first tube but allowsrepositioning of the first tube with respect to the ratchet arm in afirst direction. In a more detailed embodiment, the repositionablebutton is repositionable among a second locked position, the secondlocked position allows the ratchet arm to disengage the first set ofteeth of the first tube and allows repositioning of the first tube withrespect to the ratchet arm in a second direction and the firstdirection, where the second direction is opposite the first direction.

It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide a bonefracture fixation device comprising a first tube being repositionablewith respect to a second tube in predetermined longitudinal increments,wherein the first tube is associated with a gear configured to engagethe second tube to reposition the first tube with respect to the secondtube in a first direction or a second direction opposite the firstdirection, where at least one of the first tube and the second tubeincludes an extension operatively coupled thereto that is repositionableto increase an aggregate length of at least one of the first tube andthe second tube, wherein the extension is repositionable in longitudinalincrements smaller than the predetermined longitudinal increments.

In a more detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the longitudinalincrements of the extension are infinitely small. In yet another moredetailed embodiment, the first tube, the second tube, and the extensionare coaxial with one another. In a further detailed embodiment, thefirst tube and the second tube each include a fixed length, and thefirst tube includes a hollow interior to accommodate at least a portionof the second tube. In still a further detailed embodiment, theinvention includes a first lever configured to engage the second tubeand repositionable between an engaged position and a disengagedposition, the first lever includes ratchet teeth, the ratchet teeth ofthe first lever engage ratchet teeth of the second tube in the engagedposition, and the ratchet teeth of the first lever do not engage theratchet teeth of the second tube in the disengaged position. In a moredetailed embodiment, the invention further includes a repositionablebutton operatively coupled to the first lever, the repositionable buttonrepositionable among a locked open position, a locked closed position,and a neutral position, the locked open position locks the ratchet teethof the first lever in the disengaged position and locks an overallposition of the first lever, the locked closed position locks theratchet teeth of the first lever in the engaged position and locks anoverall position of the first lever, and the neutral position locks theratchet teeth of the first lever in the engaged position but unlocks theoverall position of the first lever. In a more detailed embodiment, theratchet teeth of the first lever each include a profile including aninclined surface and a vertical surface, the ratchet teeth of the secondtube each include a profile including an inclined surface and a verticalsurface, the inclined surfaces of the ratchet teeth of the first leverare substantially parallel to the inclined surfaces of the ratchet teethof the second tube when in the engaged position, and the verticalsurfaces of the ratchet teeth of the first lever are substantiallyparallel to the vertical surfaces of the ratchet teeth of the secondtube when in the engaged position. In another more detailed embodiment,the first tube is at least partially hollow and includes a cavityadapted to be partially occupied by the second tube, and the second tubeis at least partially hollow and includes a cavity adapted to bepartially occupied by the extension. In yet another more detailedembodiment, the first tube, the second tube, and the extensiontelescopically interact with one another. In still another more detailedembodiment, the extension is removably mounted to a first fixationadapter, and the first fixation adapter includes at least one of a balljoint, a ball joint housing, and a ball joint cap.

In yet another more detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the secondtube is operatively coupled to a tube mount having a tube mount orifice,the extension is operatively coupled to a nut, the tube mount isoperatively coupled to the nut, the tube mount orifice is sized to allowthroughput of the extension and disallow throughput of the second tube,and threads of the extension are configured to engage threads of the nutso that rotation of the nut results in longitudinal repositioning of theextension with respect to the nut, the second tube, and the tube mount.In still another more detailed embodiment, the nut is rotationallymounted to the tube mount, and a washer interposes the nut and the tubemount, in a further detailed embodiment, the washer includes a wavewasher and a flat washer.

It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide a method ofusing a fracture fixation device that includes opposing longitudinaltubes that are repositionable with respect to one another to increase ordecrease a total distance between opposing ends of the longitudinaltubes, the method including repositioning a first of the longitudinaltubes with respect to a second of the longitudinal tubes in a firstdirection by using a gear, where a first series of teeth associated withthe first longitudinal tube engages the gear, and where a first blockingactuator concurrently engages the first series of teeth, where oppositeends of the longitudinal tubes are each mounted to a fracture fixationadapter

In a more detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the invention furtherincludes the step of repositioning the first blocking actuator todiscontinue engagement with the first series of teeth to allowrepositioning of the first longitudinal tube with respect to the secondlongitudinal tube in a second direction, opposite the first direction.In yet another more detailed embodiment, the step of repositioning thefirst blocking actuator includes locking a repositionable button in afirst position. In a further detailed embodiment, the invention furtherincludes the step of inhibiting repositioning the first longitudinaltube with respect to the second longitudinal tube in the first directionand the second direction by locking the blocking actuator in a staticposition, wherein the step of locking the blocking actuator in thestatic position includes locking the repositionable button in a secondposition. In still a further detailed embodiment, the step ofrepositioning the first longitudinal tube with respect to the secondlongitudinal tube includes retaining the repositionable button in aneutral position that allows repositioning of the first blockingactuator as the first longitudinal tube is repositioned with respect tothe second longitudinal tube. In a more detailed embodiment, theinvention further includes the step of repositioning of a firstextension mounted to at least one of the first longitudinal tube and thesecond longitudinal tube to increase an overall length of the fracturefixation device, where the first extension, the first longitudinal tube,and the second longitudinal tube are coaxial with respect to oneanother.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of an assembled first exemplaryratcheting strut in accordance with the instant disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the first exemplary ratcheting strut ofFIG. 1 without the thumb screw.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first exemplary ratcheting strutof FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3.

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary ratchet tube ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary ratchet box ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is another elevated perspective view of the exemplary ratchet boxof FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first exemplary ratcheting boxof FIG. 5 taken along line 7-7.

FIG. 8 is a magnified view of the ratchet box and internal componentsshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a magnified view of the ratchet box and internal componentsshown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an elevated perspective view showing assembly of several ofthe components of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is an elevated perspective view of the thumb screw in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is an end view of the tube mount of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is an elevated perspective view of the tube mount of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is an elevated perspective view of the nut of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is an end view of the nut of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the components of FIG. 10 takenalong line 16-16.

FIG. 17 is a magnified view of the ratchet box and other componentsshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 18 is an elevated perspective view of an assembled second exemplaryratcheting strut in accordance with the instant disclosure.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the second exemplary ratcheting strut ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the second exemplary ratchetingstrut of FIG. 18 taken along line 20-20.

FIG. 21 is an elevated perspective view of the ratchet tube of FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a magnified view of the ratchet box and internal componentsshown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is an elevated perspective view of the ratchet box of FIG. 18.

FIG. 24 is another elevated perspective view of the ratchet box of FIG.18.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the ratchet box of FIG. 20 takenalong line 25-25.

FIG. 26 is an elevated perspective view of the cross-section of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is an elevated perspective view of the nut of FIG. 18.

FIG. 28 is another elevated perspective view of the nut of FIG. 18.

FIG. 29 is an elevated perspective view of an assembled third exemplaryratcheting strut in accordance with the instant disclosure.

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the third exemplary ratcheting strut ofFIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the third exemplary ratchetingstrut of FIG. 29 taken along line 31-31.

FIG. 32 is an elevated perspective view of the ratchet box of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the ratchet box of FIG. 32 takenalong line 33-33.

FIG. 34 is an elevated perspective view of the threaded post of FIG. 29.

FIG. 35 is an elevated perspective view of a fourth exemplary ratchetingstrut in accordance with the instant disclosure.

FIG. 36 is an elevated perspective view of a subset of componentscomprising part of the exemplary ratcheting strut of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary ratcheting strut ofFIG. 35 taken vertically and along the longitudinal axis, without thehalo and clamping subassemblies.

FIG. 38 is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary ratchet boxshown in FIG. 35.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary ratchet box of FIG.38 taken vertically and along the longitudinal axis.

FIG. 40 is an elevated perspective view of an exemplary ratchet tube asutilized in the exemplary ratcheting strut of FIG. 35.

FIG. 41 is a distal, profile view of the exemplary ratchet box shown inFIG. 35.

FIG. 42 is a proximal, profile view of the exemplary ratchet box shownin FIG. 35.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary ratchet box and itscomponents with respect to the exemplary ratchet tube taken verticallyand along the longitudinal axis.

FIG. 44 is an underneath perspective view of the exemplary button shownin FIG. 35.

FIG. 45 is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary lever shown inFIG. 35.

FIG. 46 is an underneath perspective view of the exemplary lever shownin FIG. 35.

FIG. 47 is an elevated perspective view of a gear and gear shaft shownin FIG. 35

FIG. 48 is a complimentary half of the gear shaft of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is the other complimentary half of the gear shaft of FIG. 47.

FIG. 50 is an elevated perspective view of the exemplary clamp and halosubassemblies shown in FIG. 35.

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary nut shown in FIG. 35,taken vertically and along the longitudinal axis.

FIG. 52 is an elevated perspective view from a proximal side of theexemplary tube mount and washers as utilized in the exemplary ratchetingstrut of FIG. 35.

FIG. 53 is an elevated perspective view from a proximal side of theexemplary tube mount and washers as utilized in the exemplary ratchetingstrut of FIG. 35.

FIG. 54 is an elevated perspective view of the threaded post as shown inFIG. 35.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described andillustrated below to encompass to devices and methods utilized infracture reduction and, more specifically, to devices and methodsproviding length adjustment during fracture fixation. Of course, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodimentsdiscussed below are exemplary in nature and may be reconfigured withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. However,for clarity and precision, the exemplary embodiments as discussed belowmay include optional steps, methods, and features that one of ordinaryskill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scopeof the present disclosure.

Referencing FIGS. 1-17, a first exemplary ratcheting strut 100 comprisesa ratchet box 102 having a longitudinal opening extending therethroughthat accommodates throughput of a ratchet tube 104. In exemplary form,the longitudinal opening is partially defined by a first cylindricalinterior wall 106 having a first diameter. A series of fins 110, 112 aremounted to the interior wall 106 and extend into the interior of thelongitudinal opening, thereby decreasing the cross-sectional area of theopening. In particular, each fin 110, 112 extends perpendicularly fromthe interior wall and includes an arcuate edge that matches the arcuatecontour of the interior wall 106. An innermost edge of each fin 110, 112comprises a geometric chord, where the horizontal cross-section of theinterior wall 106 is circular. In this exemplary embodiment, a firstpair of fins 110 is diametrically positioned opposite one another tocreate a horizontal cross-section having a constant width between theopposed pair of fins. Likewise, a second pair of fins 112 is mountedidentically to the interior wall 106 as the first pair of fins, but islongitudinally spaced from the first pair of fins. Working together, theinterior wall 106 and fins 110, 112 allow longitudinal traversal of theratchet tube 104, while inhibiting axial rotation of the ratchet tube.

In this exemplary embodiment, the ratchet tube 104 comprises acylindrical ring body having a cylindrical exterior surface 120 axiallyoutset from a cylindrical interior surface 122. In this manner, theinterior of the ratchet tube 104 is hollow and has a constant vertical,circular cross-section along its longitudinal length. An exteriorsurface of the ratchet tube 104 includes the cylindrical exteriorsurface 120, as well as a pair of planar surfaces 124 extendinglongitudinally along a majority of the longitudinal length of theratchet tube. In exemplary form, these planar surfaces 124 may be formedby planarizing opposing sides of the ring body (i.e., hollow cylindricaltube) to remove material from the outside of the ring body, therebydecreasing the wall thickness of the ring body, but not impacting thedimensions of the cylindrical interior surface 122. In exemplary form,the material removed from the ring body can be cross-sectionallyrepresented as a first area outlined by a first chord extending betweencircumferential exterior points at zero degrees and ninety degrees andby the circumferential surface extending between the same points at zerodegrees and ninety degrees. Similarly, the second area may be outlinedby a second chord extending between one hundred eighty degrees and twohundred seventy degrees and by the circumferential surface extendingbetween the same points at one hundred eighty degrees and two hundredseventy degrees. The planar surfaces 124, in exemplary form, do notextend along the entire longitudinal length of the ratchet tube 104,therefore a distal end 126 of the ratchet tube is cylindrical, while theopposing proximal end 128 of the ratchet tube is partially cylindrical.More specifically, a pair of arcuate surfaces 132, 134 extends betweenthe planar surfaces 124 to partially define the exterior of the ratchettube. Each arcuate surface 132, 134 is separated from the othercylindrical surface by approximately ninety rotational degrees, exceptfor the distal end 126 where the cylindrical surfaces seamlesslyintersect with the cylindrical exterior surface 120. The dorsal arcuatesurface 132 also includes a series of angled depressions 136 that arelongitudinally repeated and consistently spaced apart from one anotherto create a series of angled teeth 138 that are longitudinally insetfrom the distal and proximal ends 126, 128 of the ratchet tube 104. Inexemplary form, each tooth 138 includes a vertical distal surface 144and an inclined proximal surface 146 that intersects the distal surfaceto form a horizontal peak 148. As will be discussed in more detailhereafter, the inclined nature of the proximal surface 146 cooperateswith a corresponding surface of a repositionable lever 170 to allowratcheting action between the lever and the ratchet tube 104.

The shape of the ratchet tube 104 allows it to be inserted into thelongitudinal opening of the ratchet box 102 so that the proximal end 124of the ratchet tube 104 is inserted into a proximal opening 156 of theratchet box 102 and extends through a distal opening 154 prior toinsertion of the distal end 126 of the ratchet tube into the interior ofthe ratchet box. The distal opening 156 is defined by a secondcylindrical interior wall 160 having a diameter larger than the firstcylindrical interior wall 106. This second cylindrical interior wall 160extends proximally until terminating at a distal flange 162 that extendsbetween the cylindrical interior walls 106, 160. It should be noted thatthe cylindrical interior walls 106, 160 are coaxial with one another sothat the distal flange 162 has a constant circular cross-section andaxial depth. In this exemplary embodiment, the distal flange 162 isoperative to inhibit throughput of objects having a diameter larger thanthe diameter of the first cylindrical interior wall 106. In addition,the fins 110, 112 located on the interior of the first cylindricalinterior wall 106 change the longitudinal profile of the longitudinalopening and prohibit throughput of cylindrical objects having a diameterslightly less than the diameter of the first cylindrical interior wall.As mentioned previously, the distal end 126 of the ratchet tube 104 iscylindrical and exhibits a constant exterior diameter, whereas theproximal end 128 and a majority of the longitudinal length of theratchet tube exhibits a cross-section that is circular with respect tothe arcuate surfaces 132, 134, but is rectangular with respect to theplanar surfaces 124. This dual shape (circular and rectangular) profileis also consistent with the dual shape profile on the interior of thecylindrical interior wall 106 taking into account the fins 110, 112. Inexemplary form, the exterior diameter (between the arcuate surfaces 132,134) of the ratchet tube 104 is slightly less than the internal diameterof the cylindrical interior wall 106. Likewise, the horizontal widthbetween the opposed fins 110, 112 is slightly larger than the horizontaldistance between the planar surfaces 124. As a result, the proximal end128 of the ratchet tube 104 is able to be longitudinally repositionedalong the entire length of the longitudinal opening of the ratchet box102, whereas the distal end 126 of the ratchet tube is able to belongitudinally repositioned within only a portion of the longitudinalopening because the distal end cannot pass beyond the fins 110, 112. Inthis manner, when the proximal end 128 of the ratchet tube 104 is firstinserted into the distal opening 156 of the ratchet box 102 andlongitudinally repositioned proximally, eventually the distal end 126 ofthe ratchet tube (where the planar surfaces 124 terminate and theuniform circumferential surface begins) abuts the fins 110, whichprohibit further proximal motion of the ratchet tube.

In order to fix the position of the ratchet tube 104 with respect to theratchet box 102, the lever 170 is repositionably mounted to the ratchetbox to selectively engage the ratchet tube. More specifically, the lever170 comprises an L-shaped beam 172 having a cylindrical pivot orifice174 that accepts a dowel 176 concurrently seated within a cylindricaldowel orifice 178 in order to mount the lever 170 to the ratchet box102. In exemplary form, the dowel 176 is cylindrical and has an externaldiameter that is slightly larger than the internal diameter of thecylindrical dowel orifice 178, thus securing the dowel in position via afriction fit. In contrast, the diameter of the cylindrical pivot orifice174 is slightly larger than the external diameter of the dowel 176,thereby allowing pivoting motion of the lever 170 around the dowel.

In this exemplary embodiment, the lever 170 is biased by a spring 180 toengage the ratchet tube 104. More specifically, the coil spring 180 isseated within a spring receiver 182 of the ratchet box 102. The springreceiver 182 comprises a ring-shaped depression that circumscribes acylindrical projection that is adapted to be partially inserted into oneend of the coil spring 180. Similarly, the underside of the lever 170also includes a spring receiver 184 that likewise comprises aring-shaped depression that circumscribes a cylindrical projectionadapted to be partially inserted into the other end of the coil spring180. The bias of the coil spring 180 is selected or set so that when noaffirmative pressure is applied by a user to the lever 170, a head 188of the lever contacts the ratchet tube 104. In exemplary form, the head188 of the lever 170 includes a series of angled teeth 192 that are eachformed by the interaction of a vertical proximal surface 194 and aninclined distal surface 196 that intersects the proximal surface to forma peak 198. In this fashion, the angled teeth 192 of the lever 170 areinclined to match the incline of the angled teeth 138 of the ratchettube 104. As a result, when no affirmative pressure is applied by a userto the lever 170, the ratchet tube 104 may be repositioned proximally sothat the inclined surfaces 146, 196 ride upon one another (and overcomethe spring 180 bias to raise the lever 170) successively, therebyallowing the peaks 148, 198 to pass one another. In contrast, when noaffirmative pressure is applied by a user to the lever 170, the ratchettube 104 may not be repositioned distally because the vertical surfaces144, 194 contact one another and do not allow distal motion because thelever remains in the line of travel of the ratchet tube. Accordingly, inorder to reposition the ratchet tube 104 distally, a user needs to applyaffirmative pressure to the lever 170 and overcome the spring 180 bias,thereby removing the lever from the line of travel of the ratchet tube.When the appropriate distal travel is reached, the user simplydiscontinues affirmative pressure to the lever 170, thereby allowing thespring 180 bias to dominate and cause the lever to contact the ratchettube 104 so that the vertical surfaces 144, 194 contact one another anddo not allow distal motion.

The lever 170 may also be locked in position so that the angled teeth192 engage the angled teeth 138 of the ratchet tube 104. In order tolock the lever 170 in the position shown in FIG. 3, the lever includes alock orifice 200 that is sized to receive a portion of a thumb screw204. The thumb screw 204 includes a knob 206 mounted to aperpendicularly extending, linear projection 208 having threads 210adapted to engage threads 212 on the inside of a thumb screw orifice 214extending through the ratchet box 102. When the projection 208 of thethumb screw 204 is inserted through the thumb screw orifice 214 and lockorifice 200, the lever 170 is not pivotally repositionable so that theteeth 192 of the lever are out of the line of travel of the teeth 138 ofthe ratchet tube 104. Consequently, to pivot the lever 170 so that theteeth 192 of the lever 170 are out of the line of travel of the teeth138 of the ratchet tube 104, the thumb screw 204 needs to be positionedso that the projection 208 is no longer received within the lock orifice200. After the thumb screw 204 is positioned so that the projection 208is no longer received within the lock orifice 200, the lever 170 may berepositioned by application of affirmative pressure to overcome the biasof the spring 180, thereby pivoting the lever so that the teeth 192 ofthe lever are out of the line of travel of the teeth 138 of the ratchettube 104.

When the ratchet tube 104 is repositioned with respect to the ratchetbox 102, other components mounted to the ratchet tube are alsorepositioned. In this exemplary embodiment, a tube mount 220 is coupledto the proximal end 128 of the ratchet tube via a friction fit. Itshould be understood, however, that other means of attachment may beused such as, without limitation, adhesives, set screws, and welds. Inthis manner, longitudinal motion of the ratchet tube 104 causeslongitudinal motion of the tube mount 220 and vice versa. The tube mount220 includes a through opening 222 that accommodates longitudinalmovement of the ratchet tube 104 independent of movement of the tubemount. A distal end 224 of the tube mount includes a cylindrical collar226 that circumscribes the proximal end 128 of the ratchet tube 104. Onthe interior of this collar 226 is a flange 228 that provides anabutment surface against which the exposed proximal end 128 of theratchet tube contacts when fully seated within the collar. The flange228 also operates to change the profile of the through opening 222 fromcircular along the collar 226, to a narrower hybrid profile. This hybridprofile is defined by a pair of parallel, planar surfaces 230 bridged bya pair of arcuate surfaces 232 that extend longitudinally along a sleeve236 integrally formed with the flange 228 and collar 226. An exteriorsurface of the sleeve 236 is cylindrical and smooth, but for acircumferential trench 240 and a radial through opening 242, where theradial through opening extends into the through opening 222 but thecircumferential trench does not. The trench 240 is adapted to partiallyreceive a set screw mounted to a nut 250 that is mounted to androtationally repositionable with respect to the tube mount 220.

In exemplary form, the nut 250 circumscribes a portion of the sleeve 236and is rotationally repositionable with respect to the sleeve. The nutalso includes one or more set screw orifices 252 open to the cylindricalexterior surface 254 that extend into a hollow interior 258, whichincludes proximal and distal openings 260, 262. The exterior surface 254also includes a pair of rounded projections 266 that are utilized tograsp the nut 250 and facilitate rotation of the nut with respect to thesleeve 236. In this exemplary embodiment, the distal opening 262 allowsaccess to a cylindrical cavity defined by a circumferential interiorwall 268. At the proximal end of this interior wall 268 is a flange 272that provides an abutment surface against which the exposed proximal endof the sleeve 236 contacts when fully seated within the nut 250. Theflange 272 also operates to change the profile of the hollow interior258 from circular along the interior wall 268, to a narrower hybridprofile. This hybrid profile is defined by a pair of parallel surfaces276 tapped to create threads and bridged by a pair of arcuate surfaces278 that extend longitudinally until reaching a proximal end 280 of thenut 250. The parallel, tapped surfaces 276 are adapted to be engaged bya threaded post 284 that extends through the nut 250, the tube mount220, and partially through an interior of the ratchet tube 104.

By way of example, the threaded post 284 comprises a cylinder having acylindrical exterior surface 286, as well as a pair of planar surfaces288 extending longitudinally along a majority of the longitudinal lengthof the threaded post. In exemplary form, these planar surfaces 288 maybe formed by planarizing opposing sides of the cylinder to removematerial from the exterior, thereby decreasing the thickness of thecylinder at certain circumferential locations. In exemplary form, thematerial removed from the cylinder can be cross-sectionally representedas a first area outlined by a first chord extending betweencircumferential exterior points at zero degrees and ninety degrees andby the circumferential surface extending between the same points at zerodegrees and ninety degrees. Similarly, the second area may be outlinedby a second chord extending between one hundred eighty degrees and twohundred seventy degrees and by the circumferential surface extendingbetween the same points at one hundred eighty degrees and two hundredseventy degrees. The planar surfaces 288, in exemplary form, do notextend along the entire longitudinal length of the threaded post 284 sothat a distal end 292 of the threaded post retains a cylindrical shape,while the opposing proximal end 294 of the threaded post is partiallycylindrical. More specifically, a pair of cylindrical surfaces 296extends between the planar surfaces 288 to partially define the exteriorof the ratchet tube. Each cylindrical surface 296 is separated from theother cylindrical surface by approximately ninety rotational degrees,except for the distal end where the cylindrical surfaces seamlesslyintersect with the cylindrical exterior surface 286. Both cylindricalsurfaces 296 are tapped along a predetermined length that extends to theproximal end 294 to provide a series of repeating, partial threads 298.It is these partial threads 298 that are adapted to engage the tappedsurfaces 276 of the nut 250 so that rotational repositioning of the nutresults in longitudinal repositioning of the threaded post 284. Morespecifically, clockwise rotation of the nut 250 may reposition thethreaded post 284 longitudinally in a distal direction, whilecounter-clockwise rotation of the nut 250 may reposition the threadedpost 284 longitudinally in a proximal direction, or vice versa.

The distal end 292 of the threaded post 284 includes a cylindricalcavity that is tapped to provide internal threads 300. These threads 300are adapted to be engaged by the threads 304 of a post cap 306. The postcap 306 includes a proximal cylindrical end. 308 having threads 304 inorder to mount the post cap to the threaded solid post 284. A soliddistal end 312 of the post cap 306, integrally formed with the proximalend 308, is also cylindrical and includes a larger diameter than theproximal end. This larger diameter is slightly less than the diameter ofthe cylindrical interior surface 122 of the ratchet tube 104, therebyallowing the post cap to slide longitudinally within the interior of theratchet tube. The distal end 312 also includes a circumferential trench314 inset from the tip that is sized to accommodate a discontinuousfriction sleeve 316. The discontinuous friction sleeve 316 is seatedwithin the trench 314 and partially compressed by the cylindricalinterior surface 122 of the ratchet tube 104. In a static environment,the outer diameter of the friction sleeve 316 is slightly larger thanthe diameter of the interior surface 122 of the ratchet tube 104. Butwhen the friction sleeve 316 is seated within the trench 314 andinserted into the ratchet tube 104, the friction sleeve iscircumferentially compressed to have an external diameter roughly equalto the diameter interior surface 122 of the ratchet tube. In thismanner, the friction sleeve 316 creates frictional resistance againstlongitudinal repositioning of the sleeve with respect to the ratchettube 104, which also creates resistance against longitudinalrepositioning of the post cap 306 and threaded post 284 with respect tothe ratchet tube. But this frictional resistance is not so great as toinhibit longitudinal motion of the sleeve 316, the post cap 306, andthreaded post 284 when the nut 250 is rotated.

The proximal end 294 of the threaded post 284 is mounted to a ball joint320 having a spherical ball end 322 integrally formed with a hollowcylinder 324. The hollow cylinder is threaded and these threads 328 areadapted to engage the partial threads 298 of the threaded post 284 inorder to mount the threaded post to the ball joint 320.

The spherical ball end 322 of the ball joint 320 is rotationally andpivotally repositionable with respect to a socket cooperatively formedby a ball joint housing 330 and a ball joint cap 334. In exemplary form,the ball joint housing 330 comprises a casing that partiallyencapsulates the spherical ball end 322 of the ball joint 320. On theinterior of this casing is a semispherical depression that provides abearing surface against which the spherical ball end rotates and pivots.The ball joint housing 330 also includes a circular ring 336 integrallyformed with the casing and having a diameter greater than the diameterof the spherical ball end. In order to retain the spherical ball end 322within the ball joint housing 330, as well as selectively removing thespherical ball end from within the ball joint housing, the circular ringincludes threads 340 that are adapted to engage threads 342 of the balljoint cap 334 to secure the ball joint cap to the ball joint housing viaa friction tit.

As shown in FIG. 16, the ball joint cap 334 is ring-shaped and includesa central opening defined by an arcuate circumferential surface 344.This arcuate circumferential surface 344 cooperates with thesemispherical depression of the ball joint housing 330 to create thespherical socket within which the spherical ball end 322 is able torotate and pivot. In this exemplary embodiment, the diameter of thecentral opening of the ball joint cap 334 is less than the diameter ofthe spherical ball end 322 within the ball joint housing 330 so thatonce the ball joint cap and ball joint housing are mounted to oneanother with the spherical ball end 322 located therein, removal of thespherical ball end is not possible without discontinuing the ball jointcap from being mounted to ball joint housing.

Referring back to FIGS. 5-7, as discussed previously, the distal end ofthe ratchet box 102 includes a distal opening 156 defined by the secondcylindrical interior wall 160, which ends proximally when it meets thedistal flange 162. The distal opening is sized to accommodate throughputof the ratchet tube 104 as well as partial insertion of another tube350. This second tube 350 is longitudinally cylindrical and includes asmooth exterior circumferential surface 352 that has a relativelyconstant diameter along the vast majority of the length of the secondtube, but for the distal end 356. An interior of the second tube 350 ishollow and includes an opening 358 at a proximal end 360 of the secondtube. This opening 358 provides access to a cylindrical cavity partiallydefined by interior circumferential wall 362 having a diameter largeenough to accommodate the ratchet tube 104. In exemplary form, theproximal end 360 of the second tube 350 is inserted through the distalopening 156 of the ratchet box 102 and longitudinally repositioned untilthe proximal end 360 contacts the distal flange 162 on the inside of theratchet box. It should be noted that the internal diameter of the secondcylindrical interior wall 160 of the ratchet box 102 is slightly lessthan the external diameter of the second tube 350, thereby securing thesecond tube to the ratchet box via a friction fit.

The longitudinal profile of the second tube 350 is substantiallyconstant until it changes when approximately reaching the distal end356. Proximate the distal end 356, the interior circumferential wall 362terminates at an internal, ring-shaped flange 366 operative to changethe cross-section of the cavity. In particular, the flange 360 includesa central opening that feeds into a cylindrical cavity having a diameterless than that of the interior circumferential wall 362. This smallerdiameter cylindrical cavity is partially defined by a threadedcircumferential surface 370 that is adapted to engage a threadedcircumferential surface 374 of a second ball joint 380. In contrast tothe first ball joint 320 (see FIG. 2) that includes a female connectioncomprising a hollow cylinder having an internal circumferential surface328 that is threaded, this second ball joint 380 include a maleconnection comprising an external circumferential surface 374 threadedto fit within and engage the threaded circumferential surface 370 of thesmaller diameter cylindrical cavity of the second tube 350.

The second ball joint 380 comprises a spherical ball end 382 integrallyformed with the male connection. This spherical ball end 382 of the balljoint 380 is rotationally and pivotally repositionable with respect to asocket cooperatively formed by a ball joint housing 390 and a ball jointcap 394. In exemplary form, the ball joint housing 390 comprises acasing that partially encapsulates the spherical ball end 382 of theball joint 380. On the interior of this casing is a semisphericaldepression that provides a bearing surface against which the sphericalball end 382 rotates and pivots. The ball joint housing 390 alsoincludes a circular ring 396 integrally formed with the casing andhaving a diameter greater than the diameter of the spherical ball end382. In order to retain the spherical ball end 382 within the ball jointhousing 390, as well as selectively removing the spherical ball end fromwithin the ball joint housing, the circular ring includes threads 400that are adapted to engage threads 402 of the ball joint cap 394 tosecure the ball joint cap to the ball joint housing.

As shown in FIG. 17, the ball joint cap 394 is ring-shaped and includesa central opening defined by an arcuate circumferential surface 404.This arcuate circumferential surface 404 cooperates with thesemispherical depression of the ball joint housing 390 to create thespherical socket within which the spherical ball end 382 is able torotate and pivot. In this exemplary embodiment, the diameter of thecentral opening of the ball joint cap 394 is less than the diameter ofthe spherical ball end 382 within the ball joint housing 390 so thatonce the ball joint cap and ball joint housing are mounted to oneanother with the spherical ball end 382 located therein, removal of thespherical ball end is not possible without discontinuing the ball jointcap from being mounted to ball joint housing.

Referencing FIGS. 18-28, a second exemplary ratcheting strut 500 makesuse of several component parts of the first exemplary ratcheting strut100. For example, the second ratcheting strut 500 uses the same tubemount 220, the threaded post 284, the post cap 306, the friction sleeve316, the ball joint 320, the second tube 350, and the ball joint 380.Accordingly, a detailed description of these components has been omittedas part of discussing the second exemplary ratcheting strut 500 to omitredundancy, thereby furthering brevity.

This second exemplary ratcheting strut 500 includes a ratchet box. 502having a longitudinal opening extending therethrough that accommodatesthroughput of a ratchet tube 504. In exemplary form, the longitudinalopening is partially defined by a pair of arcuate interior walls 506(partial cylindrical) circumferentially interposed a pair of planarwalls 508. The planar walls 508 are parallel to one another and spacedapart from one another a first predetermined distance that is less thana distance (in effect, the diameter of a cylinder the arcuate wallswould be a part of) the arcuate walls 506 are spaced apart from oneanother. In this fashion, the planar walls 508 operate to narrow thevertical cross-section in comparison to a hollow cylindrical cavity.Working together, the arcuate walls 506 and the planar walls 508 allowlongitudinal traversal of the ratchet tube 504, while inhibiting axialrotation of the ratchet tube.

In this exemplary embodiment, the ratchet tube 504 comprises acylindrical ring body having a cylindrical exterior surface 520 axiallyoutset from a cylindrical interior surface 522. In this manner, theinterior of the ratchet tube 504 is hollow and has a constant vertical,circular cross-section along its longitudinal length. An exteriorsurface of the ratchet tube 504 includes the cylindrical exteriorsurface 520, as well as a pair of planar surfaces 524 extendinglongitudinally along a majority of the longitudinal length of theratchet tube. In exemplary form, these planar surfaces 524 may be formedby planarizing opposing sides of the ring body (i.e., hollow cylindricaltube) to remove material from the outside of the ring body, therebydecreasing the wall thickness of the ring body, but not impacting thedimensions of the cylindrical interior surface 522. In exemplary form,the material removed from the ring body can be cross-sectionallyrepresented as a first area outlined by a first chord extending betweencircumferential exterior points at zero degrees and ninety degrees andby the circumferential surface extending between the same points at zerodegrees and ninety degrees. Similarly, the second area may be outlinedby a second chord extending between one hundred eighty degrees and twohundred seventy degrees and by the circumferential surface extendingbetween the same points at one hundred eighty degrees and two hundredseventy degrees. The planar surfaces 524, in exemplary form, do notextend along the entire longitudinal length of the ratchet tube 504 sothat a distal end 526 of the ratchet tube is cylindrical, while theopposing proximal end 528 of the ratchet tube is partially cylindrical.More specifically, a pair of arcuate surfaces 532, 534 extends betweenthe planar surfaces 524 to partially define the exterior of the ratchettube. Each arcuate surface 532, 534 is separated from the othercylindrical surface by approximately ninety rotational degrees, exceptfor the distal end where the arcuate surfaces seamlessly intersect withthe cylindrical exterior surface 520. Both the dorsal and ventralarcuate surfaces 532 include a series of angled depressions 536 that arelongitudinally repeated and consistently spaced apart from one another,thereby resulting in a series of angled teeth 538 that arelongitudinally inset from the distal and proximal ends 526, 528 of theratchet tube 504. In exemplary form, each tooth 538 includes a verticalsurface 544 and an inclined surface 546 that intersects the verticalsurface to form a horizontal peak 548. As will be discussed in moredetail hereafter, the angled nature of the inclined surfaces 546cooperate with corresponding surfaces of a pair of repositionable levers570A, 570B to allow ratcheting action between the levers and the ratchettube 504.

The shape of the ratchet tube 504 allows it to be inserted into thelongitudinal opening of the ratchet box 502 so that the proximal end 528of the ratchet tube is inserted into a distal opening 554 of the ratchetbox 502 and extends through a proximal opening 556 prior to insertion ofthe distal end 526 into the interior of the ratchet box. The distalopening 554 is defined by a cylindrical interior wall 560 having adiameter larger than the arcuate interior walls 506. This cylindricalinterior wall 560 extends proximally until terminating at a distalflange 562 that extends between the cylindrical interior wall and thearcuate interior walls 506. It should be noted that the cylindricalinterior wall 560 and the arcuate interior walls 506 are coaxial withone another.

In this exemplary embodiment, the distal flange 560 is operative toinhibit throughput of objects having a cross-sectional distance largerthan the distance between the planar walls 508. As mentioned previously,the distal end 526 of the ratchet tube 504 is cylindrical and exhibits aconstant exterior diameter, whereas the proximal end 528 and a majorityof the longitudinal length of the ratchet tube exhibits a cross-sectionthat is partially circular with respect to the arcuate surfaces 532,534, but is partially rectangular with respect to the planar surfaces524. This dual shape (circular and rectangular) profile is alsoconsistent with the dual shape profile on the interior walls 506, 508 ofthe ratchet box 102. In exemplary form, the exterior diameter (betweenthe arcuate surfaces 532, 534) of the ratchet tube 504 is slightly lessthan the internal diameter of the arcuate interior walls 506. Likewise,the horizontal width between the planar surfaces 508 is slightly largerthan the horizontal distance between the planar surfaces 524. As aresult, the proximal end 528 of the ratchet tube 504 is able to belongitudinally repositioned along the entire length of the longitudinalopening of the ratchet box 502, whereas the distal end 526 of theratchet tube is able to be longitudinally repositioned within only aportion of the longitudinal opening because the distal end cannot passbeyond the distal flange 562. In this manner, when the proximal end 528of the ratchet tube 504 is first inserted into the distal opening 554 ofthe ratchet box 502 and longitudinally repositioned proximally,eventually the distal end 526 of the ratchet tube (where the planarsurfaces 524 terminate and the uniform circumferential surface begins)abuts the distal flange 562, which prohibit further proximal motion ofthe ratchet tube.

In order to fix the position of the ratchet tube 504 with respect to theratchet box 502, two levers 570A, 570B are repositionably mounted to theratchet box to selectively engage the ratchet tube. More specifically,each lever 570A, 570B comprises an L-shaped beam 572 having acylindrical pivot orifice 574 that accepts a dowel 576 concurrentlyseated within a respective cylindrical dowel orifice 578 in order tomount the ratchet box 502 to the lever. In exemplary form, each dowel576 is cylindrical and has an external diameter that is slightly largerthan the internal diameter of the corresponding cylindrical dowelorifice 578, thus securing the dowel in position via a friction fit. Incontrast, the diameter of the corresponding cylindrical pivot orifice574 is slightly larger than the external diameter of the respectivedowel 576, thereby allowing pivoting motion of the lever 570A, 570Baround the dowel.

In this exemplary embodiment, each lever 570A, 570B is biased by aspring 580 to engage the ratchet tube 504. More specifically, the coilspring 580 is seated within a respective spring receiver 582 of theratchet box 502. Each spring receiver 582 comprises a ring-shapeddepression that circumscribes a cylindrical projection that is adaptedto be partially inserted into one end of the coil spring 580. Similarly,the underside of the lever 570S, 570B also includes a spring receiver584 that likewise comprises a ring-shaped depression that circumscribesa cylindrical projection adapted to be partially inserted into the otherend of the coil spring 580. The bias of the coil spring 580 is selectedor set so that when no affirmative pressure is applied by a user to thelever 570A, 570B, a head 588 of the lever contacts the ratchet tube 504.In exemplary form, the head 588 of each lever 570A, 570B includes aseries of angled teeth 592 that are each formed by the interaction of avertical surface 594 and an inclined surface 596 that intersects theproximal surface to form a horizontal peak 598. In this fashion, theangled teeth 592 of each lever 570A, 570B are inclined to match theincline of the angled teeth 538 of the ratchet tube 504 nearest to eachlever. As a result, when no affirmative pressure is applied by a user tothe lever 570A, the ratchet tube 504 may not be repositioned proximallybecause the other lever 570B inhibits travel as the vertical surfaces594 of the lever 570B teeth 592 contact the vertical surfaces 544 of theratchet tube 504 lower teeth 538. Likewise, when no affirmative pressureis applied by a user to the lever 570B, the ratchet tube 504 may not berepositioned distally because the other lever 570A inhibits travel asthe vertical surfaces 594 of the lever 570A teeth 592 contact thevertical surfaces 544 of the ratchet tube 504 upper teeth 538. As aresult, in order to reposition the ratchet tube 504 proximally, a userneeds to apply an affirmative pressure to the lever 570B to overcome thespring bias of the spring 580 and vertically separate the verticalsurfaces 594 of the lever 570B teeth 592 with the vertical surfaces 544of the ratchet tube 504 lower teeth 538. It does not matter that theother lever 570A continues to engage the ratchet tube 504 because theinclined surfaces 596 of the teeth 592 of the other lever 570A areengaging the inclined surfaces 546 of the upper teeth 538, therebyallowing the inclined surfaces 546, 596 to slide against one another sothat the ratchet tube 504 may be repositioned proximally. When theappropriate proximal travel is reached, the user simply discontinuesaffirmative pressure to the lever 570B, thereby allowing the spring 580bias to dominate and cause the lever 570B to contact the ratchet tube504 so that the vertical surfaces 144, 194 contact one another and donot allow proximal motion. Conversely, in order to reposition theratchet tube 504 distally, a user needs to apply an affirmative pressureto the lever 570A to overcome the spring bias of the spring 580 andvertically separate the vertical surfaces 594 of the lever 570A teeth592 with the vertical surfaces 544 of the ratchet tube 504 upper teeth538. It does not matter that the other lever 570B continues to engagethe ratchet tube 504 because the inclined surfaces 596 of the teeth 592of the other lever 570B are engaging the inclined surfaces 546 of thelower teeth 538, thereby allowing the inclined surfaces 546, 596 toslide against one another so that the ratchet tube 504 may berepositioned distally. When the appropriate distal travel is reached,the user simply discontinues affirmative pressure to the lever 570A,thereby allowing the spring 580 bias to dominate and cause the lever570A to contact the ratchet tube 504 so that the vertical surfaces 144,194 contact one another and do not allow distal motion.

Each lever 570A, 570B may also be locked in position so that the teeth592 engage the angled teeth 538 of the ratchet tube 504. In order tolock either lever 570A, 570B in an engaged position with the ratchettube 504, the lever includes a lock orifice 600 that is sized to receivea portion of a thumb screw 204. The thumb screw 204 includes a knob 206mounted to a perpendicularly extending, linear projection 208 havingthreads 210 adapted to engage threads (not shown) on the inside of athumb screw orifice 614 extending through the ratchet box 102. When theprojection 208 of the thumb screw 204 is inserted through the thumbscrew orifice 614 and lock orifice 600 for a respective lever, the lever570A, 570B is not pivotally repositionable so that the teeth 592 of thelever are out of the line of travel of the teeth 538 of the ratchet tube504. Consequently, to pivot either lever 570A, 570B so that the teeth592 of the lever are out of the line of travel of the teeth 538 of theratchet gibe 504, the thumb screw 204 needs to be positioned so that theprojection 208 is no longer received within the lock orifice 600. Afterthe thumb screw 204 is positioned so that the projection 208 is nolonger received within the lock orifice 600, the lever 570A, 570B may berepositioned by application of affirmative pressure to overcome the biasof the spring 580, thereby pivoting the lever so that the teeth 592 ofthe lever are out of the line of travel of the teeth 538 of the ratchettube 504.

When the ratchet tube 504 is repositioned with respect to the ratchetbox 502, other components mounted to the ratchet tube are alsorepositioned. In this exemplary embodiment, a tube mount 220 is coupledto the proximal end 528 of the ratchet tube via a friction fit. A nut650 is mounted to the tube mount 220 and is rotationally repositionablewith respect thereto. The nut 650 includes one or more through set screworifices 652 that extend from an exterior surface 654 into a hollowinterior 658, which includes proximal and distal openings 660, 662. Theexterior surface 654 comprises a hexagonal pattern of six alternatingarcuate troughs 656 and six arcuate projections 658 that provide gripfor a user to grasp the nut 650 and facilitate rotation of the nut withrespect to the sleeve 236 of the tube mount 220. In this exemplaryembodiment, the distal opening 662 allows access to a cylindrical cavitydefined by a circumferential interior wall 670. At the proximal end ofthis interior wall 678 is a flange 672 that provides an abutment surfaceagainst which the exposed proximal end of the sleeve 236 contacts whenfully seated within the nut 650. The flange 672 also operates todecrease the diameter of the hollow interior 658 and abuts a cylindricalinterior surface 674 having threads 676 adapted to be engaged by thethreads 298 of the threaded post 284 that extends through the nut 650,the tube mount 220, and partially through an interior of the ratchettube 504. It is these partial threads 298 that are adapted to engage thethreads 676 of the nut 650 so that rotational repositioning of the nutresults in longitudinal repositioning of the threaded post 284. Morespecifically, clockwise rotation of the nut 650 may reposition thethreaded post 284 longitudinally in a distal direction, while clockwiserotation of the nut 650 may reposition the threaded post 284longitudinally in a proximal direction, or vice versa.

As with the first exemplary ratcheting strut 100, this second exemplaryratcheting strut 500 includes a ball joint 320 mounted to the threadedpost 284. Similarly, this second exemplary ratcheting strut 500 alsoincludes a second tube 350 mounted to the ratchet box 502 and a balljoint 380 mounted to the second tube. For purposes of illustration onlywith respect to this second exemplary ratcheting strut 500, the balljoint housing and ball joint cap for each ball joint 320, 380 have beenomitted. Nevertheless, it is to be understood that the second exemplaryratcheting strut 500 includes a ball joint housing and a ball joint capfor each ball joint 320, 380.

Referencing FIGS. 29-34, a third exemplary ratcheting strut 700 makesuse of several component parts of the first exemplary ratcheting strut100. For example, the third ratcheting strut 700 uses the same ratchettube 104, repositionable lever 170, tube mount 220, nut 250, post cap306, friction sleeve 316, ball joint 320, ball joint housings 330, 390,ball joint caps 334, 394, second tube 350, and ball joint 380.Accordingly, a detailed description of these components has been omittedas part of discussing the third exemplary ratcheting strut 700 to omitredundancy, thereby furthering brevity. Essentially, the third exemplaryratcheting strut 700 differs from the first exemplary ratcheting strut100 by the ratchet box 702 and threaded post 704.

This third exemplary ratcheting strut 700 includes a ratchet box 702having a longitudinal opening extending therethrough that accommodatesthroughput of a ratchet tube 104. In exemplary form, the longitudinalopening is partially defined by a pair of arcuate interior walls 706(partial cylindrical) circumferentially interposed a pair of planarwalls 708. The planar walls 708 are parallel to one another and spacedapart from one another a first predetermined distance that is less thana distance (in effect, the diameter of a cylinder the arcuate wallswould be a part of) the arcuate walls 706 are spaced apart from oneanother. In this fashion, the planar walls 708 operate to narrow thevertical cross-section in comparison to a hollow cylindrical cavity.Working together, the arcuate walls 706 and the planar walls 708 allowlongitudinal traversal of the ratchet tube 104, while inhibiting axialrotation of the ratchet tube.

The shape of the ratchet tube 104 allows it to be inserted into thelongitudinal opening of the ratchet box 702 so that the proximal end 128of the ratchet tube is inserted into a distal opening 712 of the ratchetbox 702 and extends through a proximal opening 714 prior to insertion ofthe distal end 126 into the interior of the ratchet box.

In this exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of the distal and proximalopenings 712, 714 are operative to inhibit complete throughput ofobjects having a cross-sectional distance larger than the distancebetween the planar walls 708. Because the distal end 126 of the ratchettube 104 is cylindrical and exhibits a constant exterior diameter,whereas the proximal end 128 and a majority of the longitudinal lengthof the ratchet tube exhibits a cross-section that is partially circularwith respect to the arcuate surfaces 132, 134, but is partiallyrectangular with respect to the planar surfaces 124. This dual shape(circular and rectangular) profile is also consistent with the dualshape profile on the interior walls 706, 708 of the ratchet box 702. Inexemplary form, the exterior diameter (between the arcuate surfaces 132,134) of the ratchet tube 104 is slightly less than the internal diameterof the arcuate interior walls 706. Likewise, the horizontal widthbetween the planar surfaces 708 is slightly larger than the horizontaldistance between the planar surfaces 124. As a result, the proximal end128 of the ratchet tube 104 is able to be longitudinally repositionedalong the entire length of the longitudinal opening of the ratchet box702, whereas the distal end 126 of the ratchet tube is able to belongitudinally repositioned within only a portion of the longitudinalopening because the distal end cannot pass into the interior of theratchet box. In this manner, when the proximal end 128 of the ratchettube 104 is first inserted into the distal opening 712 of the ratchetbox 702 and longitudinally repositioned proximally, eventually thedistal end 126 of the ratchet tube (where the planar surfaces 124terminate and the uniform circumferential surface begins) abuts theoutside of the ratchet box, which prohibits further proximal motion ofthe ratchet tube.

In order to fix the position of the ratchet tube 104 with respect to theratchet box 702, a lever 170 is repositionably mounted to the ratchetbox to selectively engage the ratchet tube. Reference is had to theprevious discussion of how the ratchet tube 104 and 170 interact toallow or retard repositioning of the ratchet tube.

When the ratchet tube 104 is repositioned with respect to the ratchetbox 702, other components mounted to the ratchet tube are alsorepositioned. In this exemplary embodiment, a tube mount 220 is coupledto the proximal end 128 of the ratchet tube via a friction fit. A nut250 is mounted to the tube mount 220 and is rotationally repositionablewith respect thereto. The nut 250 includes threads 276 that engagethreads 718 of the threaded post 704 while the threaded post extendsthrough the nut, the tube mount 220, and partially through an interiorof the ratchet tube 104. It is these threads 718 that are adapted toengage the threads 276 of the nut 250 so that rotational repositioningof the nut results in longitudinal repositioning of the threaded post704.

In exemplary form, the threaded post 704 comprises a hybrid exteriorsurface comprising a pair of arcuate surfaces 720 that are interposed bya pair of planar surfaces 722 extending longitudinally along thelongitudinal length of the threaded post. In exemplary form, theseplanar surfaces 722 may be formed by planarizing opposing sides of acylinder to remove material from the exterior, thereby decreasing thethickness of the cylinder at certain circumferential locations. Inexemplary form, the material removed from the cylinder can becross-sectionally represented as a first area outlined by a first chordextending between circumferential exterior points at zero degrees andninety degrees and by the circumferential surface extending between thesame points at zero degrees and ninety degrees. Similarly, the secondarea may be outlined by a second chord extending between one hundredeighty degrees and two hundred seventy degrees and by thecircumferential surface extending between the same points at one hundredeighty degrees and two hundred seventy degrees. Both arcuate surfaces720 are tapped to provide a series of repeating threads 718. It is thesethreads 718 that are adapted to engage the tapped surfaces 276 of thenut 250 so that rotational repositioning of the nut results inlongitudinal repositioning of the threaded post 704. More specifically,clockwise rotation of the nut 250 may reposition the threaded post 704longitudinally in a distal direction, while clockwise rotation of thenut 250 may reposition the threaded post 704 longitudinally in aproximal direction, or vice versa.

A distal end 724 of the threaded post 704 includes a cylindrical cavitythat is tapped to provide internal threads 726. These threads 726 areadapted to be engaged by the threads 304 of the post cap 306, which ismounted to the friction sleeve 316. As discussed previously, thediameter of the cylindrical interior surface 122 of the ratchet tube 104is slightly less than the exterior diameter of the friction sleeve 316,thereby allowing the post cap and friction sleeve to slidelongitudinally within the interior of the ratchet tube, but with apredetermined resistance. But this frictional resistance is not so greatas to inhibit longitudinal motion of the sleeve 316, the post cap 306,and threaded post 704 when the nut 250 is rotated.

A proximal end 730 of the threaded post 704 is mounted to a ball joint320 having a spherical ball end 322 integrally formed with a hollowcylinder 324. The hollow cylinder is threaded and these threads 328 areadapted to engage the threads 718 of the threaded post 704 in order tomount the threaded post to the ball joint 320 via a friction fit.Similar to the first exemplary ratcheting strut 100, this thirdratcheting strut also includes a ball joint housing 330 and a ball jointcap 334.

Referring back to FIGS. 32 and 33, the ratchet box 702 includes acylindrical cavity 732 that extends in parallel to, but is offset from,the longitudinal opening. This cylindrical cavity is adapted to receivea portion of the second tube 250 and is bounded by a cylindricalinterior wall 734 that abuts a circular, planar wall 736. In exemplaryform, the diameter of the cylindrical interior wall 734 is slightly lessthan the exterior diameter of the second tube 250, thereby mounting theratchet box 702 to the second tube once an end of the second tube isinserted deep enough to abut the planar wall.

As with the first exemplary ratcheting strut 100, the second tube 250 ofthe third exemplary ratcheting strut 700 is mounted to a ball joint 380that includes a male connection comprising an external circumferentialsurface 374 threaded to fit within and engage the threadedcircumferential surface 370 of the smaller diameter cylindrical cavityof the second tube 350. Likewise, this third ratcheting strut 700 alsoincludes a ball joint housing 330 and a ball joint cap 334.

Unlike the previous two exemplary ratcheting struts 100, 500 thatincluded ratcheting structures that were coaxial with the second tube350, this third exemplary ratcheting strut 700 has the ratchetingstructures axially offset, but in parallel with, the second tube. Thisoffset orientation has the advantages of allowing more adjustablelength, allowing use of solid bodies, easier manufacture, and increasedstrength.

Referring to FIGS. 34-54, a fourth exemplary ratcheting strut 800comprises a ratchet box 802 having a longitudinal opening extendingtherethrough that accommodates throughput of a ratchet tube 804. Inexemplary form, the longitudinal opening is partially defined by a firstcylindrical interior wall 806 having a first diameter. A series ofplateaus 810, 812 extend from the interior wall 806 and into theinterior of the longitudinal opening, thereby decreasing thecross-sectional area of the opening. In particular, each plateau 810,812 extends perpendicularly from the interior wall and opposite oneanother. Each plateau 810, 812 includes an arcuate edge that matches thearcuate contour of the interior wall 806 and an innermost edgecomprising a geometric chord, where the horizontal cross-section of theinterior wall 806 would otherwise be circular. In this exemplaryembodiment, the plateaus 810, 812 are diametrically positioned oppositeone another to create a horizontal cross-section having a constant widththerebetween. Working together, the interior wall 806 and plateaus 810,812 allow longitudinal traversal of the ratchet tube 804, whileinhibiting axial rotation of the ratchet tube.

As shown in FIG. 40, the ratchet tube 804 comprises a cylindrical ringbody having a cylindrical exterior surface 820 axially outset from acylindrical interior surface 822. In this manner, the interior of theratchet tube 804 is hollow and has a vertical, circular cross-sectionalong its longitudinal length. An exterior surface of the ratchet tube804 includes the cylindrical exterior surface 820, as well as a pair ofplanar surfaces 824 extending longitudinally along a majority of thelongitudinal length of the ratchet tube. In exemplary form, these planarsurfaces 824 may be formed by planarizing opposing sides of the ringbody (i.e., hollow cylindrical tube) to remove material from the outsideof the ring body, thereby decreasing the wall thickness of the ringbody, but not impacting the dimensions of the cylindrical interiorsurface 822. In addition, one or both planar surfaces 824 may includenumerical or other indicia indicative of increments of longitudinallength. In this exemplary embodiment, the indicia include a series ofnumerals in increments of ten and vertical marks therebetweendesignating millimeter increments. In exemplary form, the materialremoved from the ring body can be cross-sectionally represented as afirst area outlined by a first chord extending between circumferentialexterior points at zero degrees and ninety degrees and by thecircumferential surface extending between the same points at zerodegrees and ninety degrees. Similarly, the second area may be outlinedby a second chord extending between one hundred eighty degrees and twohundred seventy degrees and by the circumferential surface extendingbetween the same points at one hundred eighty degrees and two hundredseventy degrees. The planar surfaces 824, in exemplary form, do notextend along the entire longitudinal length of the ratchet tube 804,therefore a distal end 826 of the ratchet tube is cylindrical, while theopposing proximal end 828 of the ratchet tube is also cylindrical andincludes helical threads 830. Accordingly, the planar surfaces 824interpose the opposing ends 826, 828. In addition, a pair of arcuatesurfaces 832, 834 extends between the planar surfaces 824 to partiallydefine the exterior of the ratchet tube in between the ends 826, 828.Each arcuate surface 832, 834 is separated from the other cylindricalsurface by approximately ninety rotational degrees. Both arcuatesurfaces 832, 834 include a series of depressions 836 that arelongitudinally repeated and consistently spaced apart from one anotherto create a series of teeth 838 that are longitudinally inset from thedistal and proximal ends 826, 828 of the ratchet tube 804. In exemplaryform, each tooth 838 on the top arcuate surface 832 includes a verticaldistal surface 844 and an inclined proximal surface 846 that intersectsthe distal surface to form a horizontal peak 848. As will be discussedin more detail hereafter, the inclined nature of the proximal surface846 cooperates with a corresponding surface of a repositionable lever870 to allow ratcheting action between the lever and the ratchet tube804. In contrast, each tooth 839 on the bottom arcuate surface 834includes alternating inclined proximal surfaces 850 and declined distalsurfaces 852 to create a series of V-shaped teeth with V-shaped cavitiestherebetween.

Referring to FIGS. 37-43, the shape of the ratchet tube 804 allows it tobe inserted into the longitudinal opening of the ratchet box 802 so thatthe proximal end 828 of the ratchet tube 804 is inserted through adistal opening 854 of the ratchet box 802 and also through a proximalopening 856 and extends through of the ratchet box. The distal opening854 is defined by a second interior wall 860 having a diameter largerthan the first cylindrical interior wall 806. This second interior wall860 includes helical threads that extend proximally until terminating ata perpendicular distal flange 862 that transitions into a frustoconicalflange 864. It should be noted that the interior walls 806, 860 andflanges 862, 864 are coaxial with one another. In this exemplaryembodiment, the distal flange 862 is operative to inhibit throughput ofobjects having a diameter larger than the diameter of the firstcylindrical interior wall 806. In addition, the plateaus 810, 812located on the interior of the first cylindrical interior wall 806change the longitudinal profile of the longitudinal opening and prohibitthroughput of cylindrical objects having a diameter slightly less thanthe diameter of the first cylindrical interior wall. As mentionedpreviously, the distal end 826 of the ratchet tube 804 is cylindricaland exhibits a constant exterior diameter, whereas the proximal end 828and a majority of the longitudinal length of the ratchet tube exhibits across-section that is circular with respect to the arcuate surfaces 832,834, but is rectangular with respect to the planar surfaces 824 and aportion of the threads 830. This dual profile (circular and rectangular)is also consistent with the dual profile on the interior of thecylindrical interior wall 806 taking into account the plateaus 810, 812.In exemplary form, the exterior diameter (between the arcuate surfaces832, 834) of the ratchet tube 804 is slightly less than the internaldiameter of the cylindrical interior wall 806. Likewise, the horizontalwidth between the opposed plateaus 810, 812 is slightly larger than thehorizontal distance between the planar surfaces 824. As a result, theproximal end 828 of the ratchet tube 804 is able to be longitudinallyrepositioned along the entire length of the longitudinal opening of theratchet box 802, whereas the distal end 826 of the ratchet tube is notable to be longitudinally repositioned through the proximal opening 856,but is able to be repositioned through the distal opening 854, becausethe distal end cannot pass beyond the plateaus 810, 812. In this manner,when the proximal end 828 of the ratchet tube 804 is first inserted intothe distal opening 854 of the ratchet box 802 and longitudinallyrepositioned proximally, eventually the distal end 826 of the ratchettube (where the planar surfaces 824 terminate and the uniformcircumferential surface 820 begins) abuts the plateaus 810, 812, whichprohibit further proximal motion of the ratchet tube with respect to theratchet box.

In order to fix the position of the ratchet tube 804 with respect to theratchet box 802, a lever 870 is repositionably mounted to the ratchetbox to selectively engage the ratchet tube. More specifically, the lever870 comprises an L-shaped beam 872 having a cylindrical pivot orifice874 that accepts a pivot screw 876 concurrently seated within a threadedwall 878 delineating a through orifice in order to pivotally mount thelever 870 to the ratchet box 802. In exemplary form, the screw 876 iscylindrical, threaded, and has an external diameter that is sized tothreadably engage the threaded wall 878, thus securing the screw inposition via a friction fit. In contrast, the diameter of thecylindrical pivot orifice 874 is slightly larger than the externaldiameter of the screw 876, thereby allowing pivoting motion of the lever870 around the screw.

In this exemplary embodiment, the lever 870 is biased by a spring 880 toengage the ratchet tube 804. More specifically, the coil spring 880 isseated within a spring receiver 882 of the ratchet box 802. The springreceiver 882 comprises a cylindrical depression that circumscribes atleast a portion of the coil spring 880. Similarly, the underside of thelever 870 also includes a spring receiver 884 that likewise comprises acylindrical depression that circumscribes at least a portion of the coilspring 180 opposition the portion received within the spring receiver882 of the ratchet box 802. The bias of the coil spring 880 is selectedor set so that when no affirmative pressure is applied by a user to thelever 870, a head 888 of the lever contacts the ratchet tube 804. Inexemplary form, the head 888 of the lever 870 includes a series ofangled teeth 892 that are each formed by the interaction of a verticaldistal surface 894 and an inclined proximal surface 896 that intersectsthe proximal surface to form a peak 898. In this fashion, the angledteeth 892 of the lever 870 are inclined to match the incline of theangled teeth 838 of the ratchet tube 804. As a result, when noaffirmative pressure is applied by a user to the lever 870, the ratchettube 804 may be repositioned proximally so that the inclined surfaces846, 896 ride upon one another (and overcome the spring 880 bias toraise the lever 870) successively, thereby allowing the peaks 848, 898to pass one another. In contrast, when no affirmative pressure isapplied by a user to the lever 870, the ratchet tube 804 may not berepositioned distally because the vertical surfaces 844, 894 contact oneanother and do not allow distal motion because the lever remains in theline of travel of the ratchet tube. Accordingly, in order to repositionthe ratchet tube 804 distally, a user needs to apply affirmativepressure to the lever 870 and overcome the spring 880 bias, therebyremoving the lever from the line of travel of the ratchet tube. When theappropriate distal travel is reached, the user simply discontinuesaffirmative pressure to the lever 870, thereby allowing the spring 880bias to dominate and cause the lever to contact the ratchet tube 804 sothat the vertical surfaces 844, 894 contact one another and do not allowdistal motion.

The lever 870 may also be locked in position so that the angled teeth892 engage the angled teeth 838 of the ratchet tube 804. In order tolock the lever 870 in the position shown in FIG. 37, the lever includesa lock orifice 900 that is sized to receive a portion of a pin (notshown). The pin includes a knob mounted to a perpendicularly extending,linear projection. When the projection of the pin is inserted into andthrough a pin orifice 910 extending through the ratchet box 802 as wellextending into the lock orifice 900, the lever 870 is not pivotallyrepositionable so that the teeth 892 of the lever are out of the line oftravel of the teeth 838 of the ratchet tube 804. Consequently, to pivotthe lever 870 and move the teeth 892 of the lever 870 out of the line oftravel of the teeth 838 of the ratchet tube 804, the pin needs to bepositioned so that the projection 908 is no longer concurrently receivedwithin the lock orifice 900 and the pin orifice 910.

Referencing FIGS. 37 and 44-46, after the pin is positioned so that theprojection 908 is no longer received within the lock orifice 900, thelever 870 may be repositioned by application of affirmative pressure toa repositionable button 912. The repositionable button 912 includes asled 914 that is configured to slide within a track 916 formed into thetop of the lever 870. In this exemplary embodiment, the sled 914includes a rectangular shape with four rounded corners and a cavityextending through the bottom of the sled and into a cylindrical knob 918that is spaced apart from the sled via a rectangular mesa 920. Thecavity is configured to receive a ball-point detent 922 having a springbiased ball that protrudes from the underside of the sled 914. Inexemplary form, the sled 914 is configured to be received within thetrack 916 so that the sled may be repositioned longitudinally along thetrack. In particular, the mesa 920 is dimensioned to extend upward inbetween opposing walls of the lever 870 that delineate the track 916 sothat the knob 918 appears to sit on top of these opposing walls.

A plurality of holes 924 extending through the lever 870 arelongitudinally spaced apart in a generally straight line on the interiorof the track 916. Each hole 924 is sized to at least partially receivethe spring biased ball of the detent 922 when the detent is verticallypositioned over a hole. In this manner, when a hole 924 receives atleast a portion of the spring biased ball of the detent 922, thisengagement is operative to retain the longitudinal position of the sled914 with respect to the track 916.

In exemplary form, the positioning of the holes 924 corresponds to threedifferent positions of the button 912 with respect to the lever 870 inorder to vary the position of the teeth 892 with respect to the ratchettube 804 teeth 838. In particular, these three positions are visuallydenoted by indicia 930 on the lever and a pointer 932 on the button 912aligning with one another. By way of example, a first indicia 930resembling a padlock in the locked position corresponds to the button912 positioned so that the detent 922 engages the first hole 924A and aportion of the sled 914 is received within a proximal opening 928 of theratchet box 802. When a portion of the sled 914 is received within theproximal opening 928, the size of the opening is operative to inhibitsignificant play between the button 912 and ratchet box 802, therebyinhibiting pivoting of the lever 870 in order to maintain the positionof the teeth 892 in the line of travel of the ratchet tube 804 teeth838. This action is operative to lock the longitudinal position of theratchet box with respect to the ratchet tube. In contrast, a secondindicia 930 resembling a jagged arrow corresponds to the button 912positioned so that the detent 922 engages the second hole 92413 and noportion of the sled 914 is received within either the proximal opening928 or a distal opening 932 of the ratchet box 802. When the button 912is in this second position, the lever 870 is able to be freely pivotedby a user depressing downward on the button to overcome the spring 880bias and repositioning the teeth 892 of the lever 870 out of the line oftravel of the ratchet tube 804 teeth 838. This action is operative toallow longitudinal repositioning of the ratchet box 802 with respect tothe ratchet tube 804 in either direction. Likewise, if a user does notdepress the button 912, the second position nonetheless allows theratchet tube 804 to be repositioned proximally with respect to theratchet box 902, but inhibits the ratchet tube from being repositioneddistally with respect to the ratchet box. In other words, when thebutton 912 occupies the second position, which is a neutral position,the inclined proximal surfaces 846 of the ratchet tube teeth 838 may beoperative to push against the inclined proximal surfaces 896 of thelever teeth 892 and overcome the spring 880 bias in order to repositionthe ratchet tube 804 proximally with respect to the ratchet box 802. Butdistal motion of the ratchet tube 804 with respect to the ratchet box802 is inhibited because of the interaction between the verticalsurfaces 894 of the lever teeth 892 and the vertical surfaces 844 of theratchet tube 804. Finally, a third indicia 930 resembling a padlock inthe unlocked position corresponds to the button 912 positioned so thatthe detent 922 engages the third hole 924C and a distal portion of thesled 914 is received within the distal opening 932 of the ratchet box802. The size of the distal opening 932 is operative to inhibitsignificant play between the button 912 and ratchet box 802, therebyinhibiting pivoting of the lever 870 in order to maintain the positionof the teeth 892 out of the line of travel of the ratchet tube 804 teeth838. This action is operative to allow longitudinal repositioning of theratchet box 802 with respect to the ratchet tube 804.

Referring to FIGS. 43 and 47-49, other components mounted to the ratchetbox 802 may also be repositioned in order to reposition the ratchet tube804. Specifically, the ratchet box 802 includes a pair of gear shaftreceivers 940 that each includes a gear shaft orifice 942, where thegear shaft orifices are axially aligned and receive complementary halves944, 946 of a gear shaft. Each gear shaft half 944, 946 includes anenlarged cylindrical end 948 that includes a cavity contoured to receivea hexagonal driver (not shown). Inset from the cylindrical end 948 is asmaller diameter cylinder 950 having a smooth circumferential surfacethat acts as a bearing surface contacting an inner circumferentialsurface 952 of the gear shaft receivers 940. In this manner, the tearshaft halves 944, 946 are rotationally repositionable when positionedwithin the gear shaft receivers 940. Further inset from the smallerdiameter cylinder 950 is a retention member 954, 956 that is differs forthe two halves 944, 946. The first half 944 includes a rectangularflange 954 with a flat end 958, opposed planar top and bottom sides 960with a threaded orifice 962 therethrough, and rounded lateral sides 964.The second half 946 includes a pair of projections 956 with a flat endand each having planar surfaces 966 that face one another. In addition,each projection 956 includes an outer surface 968 that is rounded andincludes a threaded through hole 970 that is adapted to be axiallyaligned with the threaded through hole 962 of the other half 944. Morespecifically, the retention members 954, 956 cooperate and fit togetherto define a cylinder having a smaller diameter than the inset cylinder950.

The smallest diameter cylinder is sized to extend into a repositionablegear 974. In exemplary form, the repositionable gear 974 includes aplurality of parallel splines 976 that are circumferentially distributedabout a cylindrical base of the gear. Each spline 976 is identical anduniformly spaced apart from each other and from an inner circumferentialcylindrical surface 980 that defines a cylindrical through openingconfigured to receive the smallest cylinder (i.e., the retention member954, 956). In this exemplary embodiment, the splines 976 are sized andspaced apart from one another to be sequentially received within thedepressions 836 on the lower row of teeth 838 extending along theratchet tube 804. In this manner, as the ratchet tube 804 isrepositioned longitudinally with respect to the ratchet box 802, thegear 974 rotates in one direction of the other depending upon whetherthe movement of the ratchet tube is in the proximal or distal direction.Not only does the gear 974 rotate, but so too do the complementaryhalves 944, 946 of the gear shaft, which are mounted to the gear.Specifically, the gear 974 includes a through hole 980 that is partiallythreaded and sized to receive a threaded pin 982. In particular, thethreads of the through hole 980 match those of the retention member 954,956 holes so that the threaded pin may be inserted into the holes 980,970, 962 and correspondingly engage the retention members and gear tocouple the components to one another.

Assembly of the gear 974 and gear shaft, as well as mounting the gearand gear shaft to the ratched box 802, includes positioning the gear tointerpose the gear shaft receivers 940. Specifically, the ratchet box802 includes a through opening 986 above and in between the gear shaftreceivers 940 that is sized to accommodate at least partial insertion ofthe gear 974. More specifically, the gear 974 is inserted between thegear shaft receivers 940 so that at least some of the splines 976 extendthrough the opening 986 and into the interior of the ratchet box 802. Aswill be discussed in more detail hereafter, once assembled, the gear 974is positioned so that the splines 976 may interface with the lower teeth838 of the ratchet tube 804. The gear 974 is also positioned so that thethrough hole 980 is axially aligned with the gear shaft orifices 942. Inthis manner, after the gear 974 is in position, retention member 954,956 of each gear shaft half 944, 946 is inserted through a respectivegear shaft orifice 942 and through the through hole 980 so that theretention members form the smallest cylinder. In this orientation,rotation of one of the gear shaft halves 944, 946 correspondinglyresults in rotation of the other gear shaft half 944, 946, but does notnecessarily result in rotation of the gear 974. To ensure rotation ofthe gear 974 when a gear shaft half 944, 946 is rotated, the throughhole 980 of the gear is aligned with the holes 962, 970 extendingthrough the gear shaft halves in order to accept insertion of thethreaded pin 982. Consequently, the threaded pin 982 is inserted intothe threaded holes to lock the position of the gear 974 with respect tothe gear shaft halves. Thus, after the threaded pin 982 is inserted,rotation of a gear shaft half 944, 946 is also accompanied by rotationof the gear 974 and vice versa.

Referring back to FIGS. 34 and 38-43, the distal end of the ratchet box802 includes a distal opening 856 defined by the second cylindricalinterior wall 860, which ends proximally when it meets the distal flange862. The distal opening is sized to accommodate throughput of theratchet tube 804 as well as partial insertion of a second tube 1000 inorder to mount the second tube to the ratchet box 802 using threadedengagement between helical threads 1002, which circumscribe a flangedlip 1004 of the second tube, and helical threads on the second interiorwall 860 of the ratchet box. This second tube 1000 is predominantlylongitudinally cylindrical and includes a smooth exteriorcircumferential surface 1006 that has a relatively constant diameteralong the vast majority of the length of the second tube, but for thedistal end 1008. An interior of the second tube 1000 is hollow to definea cylindrical through opening having a proximal orifice 1010 and adistal orifice 1012. The proximal orifice 1010 provides access to acylindrical cavity partially defined by interior circumferential smoothwall 1016 having a diameter large enough to accommodate insertion of thedistal end 826 of the ratchet tube 804.

The longitudinal profile of the second tube 1000 is substantiallyconstant until it changes when approximately reaching the distal end1008. Proximate the distal end 1008, the interior circumferential wall1016 terminates at an internal, ring-shaped flange 1018 operative tochange the cross-section of the cavity. In particular, the flange 1018includes a central threaded cavity that feeds into a cylindrical cavityhaving a diameter less than that of the distal end 826 of the ratchettube 804 to prohibit throughput of the ratchet tube beyond the flange.This smaller diameter cylindrical cavity is partially defined by athreaded circumferential surface 1022 that is adapted to engage athreaded adapter 1024 that is configured to mount to a ball 1026.

Referring to FIG. 50, the ball 1026 is concurrently mounted to thethreaded adapter 1024 and to a distal assembly that includes a halosubassembly 1032 and a clamp subassembly 1034. The halo subassemblyincludes complementary halo frames 1040, 1042 that include a centralopening therethrough. The first halo frame 1040 includes a plurality ofsmooth bore orifices that are each adapted to receive a threadedfastener 1044, while the second halo frame 1042 includes a plurality ofthreaded orifices that threadably engage the threaded fasteners, therebycoupling the frames together. Each frame 1040, 1042 also includes anarcuate interior surface adapted to match the contour of the ball 1026,thereby allowing the frames 1040, 1042 to be rotationally and axiallyrepositionable about the ball 1026 when the threaded fasteners 1044 donot operate to compress the ball 1026 between the frames. An end of thehalo subassembly 1032, opposite the threaded adapter 1024, includes akey 1048 that is received within a keyway 1050 of the clamp subassembly1034. Likewise, a threaded fastener 1052 extends into the keyway 1050and into the key 1048 as a means to couple the halo subassembly 1032 tothe clamp subassembly 1034.

The clamp subassembly 1034 includes a U-shaped housing 1056 that ispivotally coupled to a repositionable gate 1058 via a pivot pin 1060concurrently extending through orifices in the housing and gate. Anopposite end of the gate 1058 is configured to be received in between aslit formed into the housing 1056 and be pivotally coupled to a handle1064 via a pivot pin 1066. The handle 1064 also includes a throughopening that is configured to receive a retainer 1068 that isconcurrently received within a clevis 1070 of the housing 1056 in orderto maintain the handle in position and maintain the gate 1058 in itsclosed position. Conversely, the retainer 1068 may be removed from thehandle 1064 and clevis 1070, thereby allowing the handle to pivot andlikewise the gate 1058 to pivot about the pin 1060 and open the gate.

It should also be noted that the opposite end (proximal end) of theratcheting strut 800 also includes a ball 1026 concurrently mounted to athreaded adapter 1024 and to a halo subassembly 1032 and a clampsubassembly 1034. Other than orientation, the ball 1026, threadedadapter 1024, halo subassembly 1032, and clamp subassembly 1034 at theproximal end of the ratcheting strut 800 have identical structures tothose aspects discussed with respect to the distal end. Consequently, adetailed discussion of these proximal components has been omitted infurtherance of brevity.

Referring to FIGS. 51-53, a tube mount 1080 is coupled to the proximalend 828 of the ratchet tube 804 via a friction fit using a threadedengagement between the threads 830 on the proximal end of the ratchettube and threads 1082 on the interior of the tube mount. It should beunderstood, however, that other means of attachment may be used such as,without limitation, adhesives, set screws, and welds. In this manner,longitudinal motion of the ratchet tube 804 results in correspondinglongitudinal motion of the tube mount 1080 and vice versa. The tubemount 1080 includes a through opening 1084 that accommodateslongitudinal movement of a threaded post 1090 independent of movement ofthe tube mount. A distal end 1092 of the tube mount includes acylindrical collar that circumscribes the proximal end 828 of theratchet tube 804. On the interior of this collar is a flange 1088 thatprovides an abutment surface against which the exposed proximal end 828of the ratchet tube 804 contacts when fully seated within the collar.The flange 1088 also operates to change the profile of the throughopening 1084 from circular along the collar to a narrower hybridprofile. This hybrid profile is defined by a pair of parallel, planarsurfaces 1094 bridged by a pair of arcuate surfaces 1096 that extendlongitudinally along a sleeve 1098 integrally formed with the flange1088 and cellar. An exterior surface of the tube mount 1080 includes apair of circumferential rings 1100, 1102 that cooperate with a smoothcircumferential surface 1104 to delineate a circumferential trench 1108.Extending through the circumferential surface 1104 is a pair of throughholes 1110 each adapted to partially receive a set screw 1120 mounted toa nut 1122 that is selectively rotationally repositionable with respectto the tube mount 1080. On the other side of the central ring 1102,nearer the distal end 1092, a discontinuous flat washer 1130 and a wavewasher 1132 circumscribe the tube mount 1080, with the wave washer beingnearer the proximal end.

In exemplary form, the nut 1122 circumscribes a proximal portion of thetube mount 1080 and is selectively rotationally repositionable withrespect to the tube mount. The nut 1122 also includes one or more setscrew orifices 1136 extending from a cylindrical exterior surface 1140into an interior cylindrical surface 1142. The nut 1122 also includesproximal and distal openings 1144, 1146, where the proximal openingincludes helical threads 1148 configured to engage corresponding threads1150 on the exterior of the threaded post 1090 (see FIG. 53). Adjacentthe exterior surface 1140 is a perpendicular flange 1152 interposing ahexagonal surface pattern 1154 to facilitate grasping of the nut 1122and rotation of the nut with respect to the tube mount 1080. In thisexemplary embodiment, the distal opening 1146 allows access to acylindrical cavity defined by interior cylindrical surface 1142 inaddition to access to a circumferential channel 1160 that receives thediscontinuous flat washer 1130. In set proximally from thecircumferential channel is a second circumferential channel 1164partially delineated by the discontinuous flat washer 1130 and aninternal flange 1168. The second circumferential channel 1164 isconfigured to receive the wave washer 1132 in order to couple the tubemount 1080 to the nut 1122, but at the same time allow rotationalrepositioning of the nut with respect to the tube mount. In order toretard rotation of the nut 1122 with respect to the tube mount 1080, auser may insert one or more set screws 1120 through the holes 1136tighten the set screws against the smooth circumferential surface 1104of the tube mount. For example, one may rotate the nut 1122 with respectto the tube mount 1080 in order to change the longitudinal position ofthe threaded post 1090 with respect to the nut and the tube mount, inaddition to changing the position of the threaded post with respect tothe ratchet tube 804.

By way of example as shown in FIG. 54, the threaded post 1090 comprisesa cylinder having a cylindrical exterior surface 1170, as well as a pairof planar surfaces 1172 extending longitudinally along a majority of thelongitudinal length of the threaded post. In exemplary form, theseplanar surfaces 1172 may be formed by planarizing opposing sides of thecylinder to remove material from the exterior, thereby decreasing thethickness of the cylinder at certain circumferential locations. And thematerial removed from the cylinder can be cross-sectionally representedas a first area outlined by a first chord extending betweencircumferential exterior points at zero degrees and ninety degrees andby the circumferential surface extending between the same points at zerodegrees and ninety degrees. Similarly, the second area may be outlinedby a second chord extending between one hundred eighty degrees and twohundred seventy degrees and by the circumferential surface extendingbetween the same points at one hundred eighty degrees and two hundredseventy degrees. The planar surfaces 1172, in exemplary form, do notextend along the entire longitudinal length of the threaded post 1090 sothat a distal end 1174 of the threaded post retains a cylindrical shape,while the opposing proximal end 1176 of the threaded post is partiallycylindrical. In this exemplary embodiment, the planar surfaces 1172 mayinclude measurement indicia 1180 indicative of length increments.Nevertheless, other forms of indicia may also be used that may notnecessarily be indicative of increments of length. More specifically, apair of cylindrical surfaces 1178 extends between the planar surfaces1172 to partially define the exterior of the threaded post 1090. Eachcylindrical surface 1178 is separated from the other cylindrical surfaceby approximately ninety rotational degrees, except for the distal endwhere the cylindrical surfaces seamlessly intersect with the cylindricalexterior surface 1170. Both cylindrical surfaces 1178 are tapped along apredetermined length that extends to the proximal end 1176 to provide aseries of repeating, partial threads 1150. It is these partial threads1150 that are adapted to engage the threads 1148 of the nut 1122 so thatrotational repositioning of the nut results in longitudinalrepositioning of the threaded post 1090. More specifically, clockwiserotation of the nut 1122 may reposition the threaded post 1090longitudinally in a distal direction, while counter-clockwise rotationof the nut 1122 may reposition the threaded post 1090 longitudinally ina proximal direction, or vice versa. The proximal end 1176 of thethreaded post 1090 includes a cylindrical cavity that is tapped toprovide internal threads 1184. These threads 1184 are adapted to beengaged by the threads of a threaded adapter 1024.

Referring back to FIGS. 35-37, in operation, the exemplary ratchetingstrut 800 may be utilized to change the longitudinal length betweenopposing assemblies 1032. More specifically, by using the exemplaryratcheting strut 800, a user may quickly increase or decrease thelongitudinal spacing between opposing ends of the device, while at thesame time have the flexibility to vary the spacing in nearly infiniteincrements. In order to more quickly increase the spacing, a user mayuse the ratcheting feature of the ratchet tube 80 and reposition thetube proximally (away from the distal end 1008 of the second tube 1000)causing the inclined surfaces 846, 896 of the teeth 838, 892 to slideagainst one another. This proximal repositioning may be accomplishedmanually or by positioning a driver (not shown) within a gear shaftorifice 942 followed by rotation of the driver to rotate the gear shaftand gear 974 to reposition the ratchet tube 804 proximally. Likewise,the user may pivot the lever 870 using the button 912 in order to movethe teeth 892 of the lever out of the line of travel of the teeth 838 ofthe ratchet tube, thereby allowing the user free movement of the ratchettube in either the proximal or distal direction. This proximal or distalrepositioning may be accomplished manually or by positioning a driver(not shown) within a gear shaft orifice 942 followed by rotation of thedriver to rotate the gear shaft and gear 974 to reposition the ratchettube 804 in either direction. In order to fine tune the spacing or addadditional spacing beyond what is possible by extending the ratchet tube804, a user may then rotate the nut 1122 in a counter clockwise directto extend the threaded post 1090 longitudinally in the proximaldirection until the desired length is reached. Conversely, the user mayreduce the spacing by rotating the nut 1122 in a clockwise direct toretract the threaded post 1090 longitudinally in the distal directionuntil the desired length is reached. Accordingly, larger lengthwiseadjustments may be made by repositioning the ratchet tube, whereassmaller lengthwise adjustments may be made by repositioning the threadedpost 1090.

Following from the above description and invention summaries, it shouldbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while themethods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, the invention is not limited tothe foregoing and changes may be made to such embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined bythe claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elementsdescribing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to beincorporated into the interpretation of any claim element unless suchlimitation or element is explicitly stated. Likewise, it is to beunderstood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identifiedadvantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fallwithin the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by theclaims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the presentinvention may exist even though they may not have been explicitlydiscussed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. (canceled)
 2. A ratcheting strut comprising: aratchet box including a through passage, the through passage including aplanar wall a first tube sized to extend at least partially through thepassage, the first tube including teeth configured to engagecorresponding teeth associated with the ratchet box and at least oneplanar surface sized to rest against the planar wall of the ratchet boxto limit rotation of the first tube; a threaded rod operatively coupledto a first spherical element, the threaded rod repositionably mounted tothe first tube; and a second tube mounted to the ratchet box, the secondtube operatively coupled to a second spherical element.
 3. Theratcheting strut of claim 2, wherein the first tube, the second tube,and the threaded rod are coaxial.
 4. The ratcheting strut of claim 2,wherein the second tube includes a fixed length and is removably coupledto the ratchet box.
 5. The ratcheting strut of claim 2, wherein thesecond spherical element is removably mounted to the second tube.
 6. Theratcheting strut of claim 2; wherein the ratchet box includes a firstlever repositionable between an engaged position and a disengagedposition; the teeth associated with the ratchet box located on the firstlever and configured to engage the teeth of the first tube in theengaged position and to disengage the teeth of the first tube in thedisengaged position.
 7. The ratcheting strut of claim 6, wherein thefirst lever is biased towards the engaged position.
 8. The ratchetingstrut of claim 2, wherein the second tube defines a first cavity sizedto receive a portion of the first tube and the first tube defines asecond cavity sized to receive a portion of the threaded rod.
 9. Theratcheting strut of claim 8, wherein the first tube, the second tube,and the threaded rod telescopically interact with one another.
 10. Theratcheting strut of claim 9, wherein, the first tube is operativelycoupled to a tube mount having a tube mount orifice, the tube mountoperatively coupled to a nut, the tube mount orifice sized to all owthroughput of the threaded rod and di sallow throughput of the firsttube, the threaded rod configured to engage the nut so that rotation ofthe nut results in longitudinal repositioning of the threaded rod withrespect to the nut, the first tube, and the tube mount.
 11. Theratcheting strut of claim 2, wherein the ratchet box includes arepositionable button operatively coupled to a ratchet arm configured toengage the first tube.
 12. A strut comprising: a first tube; a secondtube repositionable with respect to the first tube in predeterminedlongitudinal increments; a gear configured to engage the second tube toreposition the first tube with respect to the second tube in a firstdirection or a second direction opposite the first direction; and anextension operatively coupled the first tube or the second tube andrepositionable to increase an aggregate length of the first tube or thesecond tube, the extension repositionable in longitudinal incrementssmaller than the predetermined longitudinal increments.
 13. The strut ofclaim 12, wherein the first tube and the second tube each include afixed length and the first tube defines a cavity sized to receive aportion of the second tube.
 14. The strut of claim 12, furthercomprising: a first lever repositionable between an engaged position anda disengaged position, the first lever including ratchet teeth, theratchet teeth of the first lever arranged to engage ratchet teeth of thesecond tube in the engaged position; and a repositionable buttonoperatively coupled to the first lever, the repositionable buttonrepositionable among a locked open position, a locked closed position,and a neutral position, wherein the locked open position locks theratchet teeth of the first lever in the disengaged position, wherein thelocked closed position locks the ratchet teeth of the first lever in theengaged position.
 15. The strut of claim 12, wherein the first tubedefines a first cavity adapted to be partially occupied by the secondtube, and wherein the second tube defines a second cavity adapted to bepartially occupied by the extension.
 16. The strut of claim 12, furthercomprising a tube mount having a tube mount orifice, the tube mountoperatively coupled to the second tube, the tube mount orifice sized toallow throughput of the extension and disallow throughput of the secondtube.
 17. A ratcheting strut comprising: a ratchet box including athrough passage, the through passage including a planar wall a firsttube sized to extend at least partially through the passage, the firsttube including teeth configured to engage corresponding teeth associatedwith the ratchet box and a pair of planar surfaces sized to rest againstthe pair of diametrically opposed fins to limit rotation of the firsttube; a threaded rod operatively coupled to a first spherical element,the threaded rod repositionably mounted to the first tube; and a secondtube mounted to the ratchet box in parallel with the first tube, thesecond tube operatively coupled to a second spherical element, thesecond tube includes a fixed length and is removably coupled to theratchet box, wherein the first tube, the second tube, and the threadedrod are coaxial.
 18. The ratcheting strut of claim 17, wherein theratchet box includes a first lever repositionable between an engagedposition and a disengaged position, the teeth associated with theratchet box located on the first lever and configured to engage theteeth of the first tube in the engaged position and to disengage theteeth of the first tube in the disengaged position, and wherein thefirst lever is biased towards the engaged position.
 19. The ratchetingstrut of claim 17, wherein the ratchet box includes a repositionablebutton operatively coupled to a ratchet arm configured to engage thefirst tube.
 20. The ratcheting strut of claim 17, wherein the secondspherical element is removably mounted to the second tube.
 21. Theratcheting strut of claim 17, wherein the second tube defines a firstcavity sized to receive a portion of the first tube and the first tubedefines a second cavity sized to receive a portion of the threaded rod,wherein the first tube, the second tube, and the threaded rodtelescopically interact with one another, and wherein the first tube isoperatively coupled to a tube mount having a tube mount orifice, thetube mount operatively coupled to a nut, the tube mount orifice sized toallow throughput of the threaded rod and disallow throughput of thefirst tube, the threaded rod configured to engage the nut so thatrotation of the nut results in longitudinal repositioning of thethreaded rod with respect to the nut, the first tube, and the tubemount.